5 Techniques to Improve Your Planting Prowess

You may have 99 problems … but proper tree planting technique shouldn’t be one of them. In this article, let’s walk through the five critical skills for planting a tree. Follow these tips and before you know it, your sapling will become the gorgeous tree it deserves to be. Here’s the scoop.

Dig the Hole Wider Than You Think It Needs to Be

Most trees come with bare roots or wrapped in burlap, but either way, their roots are typically trimmed into a little ball. This can lend the false impression that trees only need a small planting hole. Untrue. Their roots need to be able to spread, and digging a wide hole full of loose dirt will give them the room they need.

Plant the Tree at the Right Height

If the tree has dirt around its roots, remove the dirt from the trunk until you can see where the roots begin. This is called the “trunk flare,” and should be just visible over the dirt once it’s planted. Dig the hole accordingly.

Straighten the Tree Before Backfilling

Nothing burns like going to all the work of planting a tree, only to check afterward and see it’s crooked. Have someone help you sight the tree and ensure it’s straight before filling in the hole.

Stake if Necessary

Ideally, you shouldn’t have to stake your tree, because overreliance on a staking system can make your tree’s trunk and roots weaker. In some conditions, however, it’s necessary – think windy locations or where vandalism is a concern.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

Never forget to mulch your new tree. A thick layer of organic debris (such as leaf litter or wood chips) will discourage competition from weeds, retain moisture, and keep the ground warm in winter and cool in summer. Apply the mulch in a layer 2-4 inches thick, and leave a ring several inches wide around the base of the tree to avoid trunk rot, pests, and so forth.

If you’re not quite sure you want to take on the project yourself, please feel free to get in touch with us here at Premier Tree Solutions. We’re always happy to offer tree-related advice or to tackle a project with you. In addition to tree care, we also provide storm cleanup, debris removal, and stump grinding. Get ready for a brand-spankin’-new tree … or yard and contact us here.